Reha

Reha is the main character and the narrator of this novel in verse. Her parents came to America from India, but Reha was born in America. Though she feels that she is an American who belongs only in America, she does not want to put aside her Indian heritage. She embraces that culture, especially the food. Reha loves her parents though she is sometimes embarrassed, especially by her mother. For example, she describes the confused clerks at big box stores when her mother tries to haggle for better prices. She feels Amma does not understand her, which puts a strain on their relationship.

Reha is the only child of the family. She wants to attend public school where her best friend Sunny goes, but her parents insist on the private school. She feels a struggle to fit in, but she has a couple of good friends there and...